When installing soundproof panels or other noise insulation it is important to understand the principle of acoustic balance. Soundproofing simply means reducing the intensity of sound waves at all frequencies. Acoustic balance refers to specifically dampening sound waves that interfere with the human voice. Acoustic balances is very important in lecture halls, classrooms, theaters, conference rooms, and churches. Proper acoustic balance allows the entire audience to hear a speaker clearly, without hearing a cacophony of shuffling shoes, jingling keys, and flipping papers.

Choosing the Right Material

Obtaining acoustic balance requires you to choose a soundproofing material that will result in the correct reverberation. Too much reverberation causes syllables to superimpose, and not enough makes the room sound empty.

Soundproof Panels Are Not Enough

Soundproof panels are useful for blocking outside noises from entering the room you are trying to balance. This is important if you are working in a noisy building or neighborhood. Inside the space, choose soundproof panels with the right thickness to achieve the balanced level of reverberation. You must also use sound diffusers near the back of the room. These scatter sound waves in every direction to improve acoustic balance.

A home elevator can be an excellent option for individuals who live in a 2 story house, but want to remain in it as they grow older. Read on to determine your house is the right size and shape to accommodate an elevator.

Size of Contemporary Home Elevators

Surprisingly, the shaft for a home elevator takes up little more space than a walk-in closet and can be installed as a retrofit or in a newly-constructed home. For larger homes, adding an elevator can be an alternative to adding a second set of stairs.

Usually, the elevator shaft is placed in a central location that is accessible to both bedrooms and living areas. Already existing closets are convenient starting places for installing a new home elevator.

Home Elevator Design

Elevators operate from a hydraulic lift system or a cable-and-pulley and electric motor system. All of the mechanics are contained within the elevator shaft, reducing the needed space to essentially the size of a walk-in closet on both or all floors that the elevator services.

The interior of the elevator cab can be designed to match the interior of the home, including flooring and trim details. Very often, the elevator doors can be designed so that they blend into the wall, making them indistinguishable from the rest of the home's interior.